N8130D

Substantial
Serious

PIPER PA 22-160S/N: 22-5621

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 2, 2016
NTSB Number
ERA16CA239
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Event ID
20160705X00857
Coordinates
38.498332, -78.893058
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
22-5621
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA 22-160M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-22-160

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
EMBREE WALTER G
Address
4769 FORT VIEW DR
City
HARRISONBURG
State / Zip Code
VA 22802
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot/owner of the single-engine tailwheel airplane was attempting to depart from a private turf runway. During the takeoff, a gust of wind contacted the airplane from the left side, and it veered to the right. The airplane's right wing and propeller then struck a fence post. The pilot tried to fly the airplane back to the runway, but it impacted terrain and slid into a tree. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The recorded weather at an airport located about 15 miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, included a left quartering headwind at 9 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA16CA239